FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) is an organisation which runs 5 STEAM programs:
FLL Discover, using Duplo, for ages 4-6.
FLL Explore, using Lego, for ages 6-10.
FLL Challenge, using Lego Technic, for ages 9-16. Generally, you refer to Discover and Explore by name, while Challenge is more often called FLL.
FTC, using metalworking and coding skills, ages 12-18, for robots up to (45.72 x 45.72 x 45.72) cm in size.
FRC, using metalworking and coding skills, ages 14-18, for robots up to 304cm in perimeter.
FLL is a team based activity, with teams ranging from 2-10 people in size. Teams are run by anyone willing, and can meet as many times and for as long as they want to.
FLL has 4 components, which all have equal worth in scoring:
Innovation Project
Robot Design
Robot Game
Core Values
The Innovation Project, Robot Design and Robot Game are what we do, while the Core Values are how we do it.
Discovery
Fun
Impact
Inclusion
Innovation
Teamwork
Two concepts which help us to use the Core Values are:
Gracious Professionalism (Gracious professionals, helping others, taking losses without being salty, etc)
Coopertition (Cooperative competition, for example helping others with their robot or code when they're struggling)
There are also a few sayings in FLL, such as:
Anything not banned in the rules can be done, within reason.
Steal from the best, invent the rest (You can copy other's designs, but improve on them if you do)
The Core Values encourage us to learn new things, work as a team, include others, have a positive impact on people and have fun while doing so, and are a crucial part of what makes FLL, FTC and FRC enjoyable for so many people.
They are a crucial part of the atmosphere of tournaments.
Teams work on a research project each season, working to find a solution to a prompt given which will fulfil the marking criteria, which is shown below.
In order to have an innovative solution, teams often will search for a niche issue to solve, however as long as they can show how their issue relates to the prompt, it can be used.
The prompts for the 2023-2024 "Masterpiece" and the 2024-2025 "Submerged" seasons were:
How can you use technology and the arts to help engage others or increase participation in what you love to do?
Identify and research a problem related to exploring the oceans.
FTC and FRC, while including a robot design and robot game section, do not have an Innovation Project. Rather, they develop community outreach skills, showing an impact on their community, and develop a business plan for how they can maximise their impact, accounting for many factors. Some teams may choose to coach FLL teams to achieve an impact.
Robot Design is about:
The team's robot
The principles used when making it
Attachments used
The code used
The evolution of their code and robot.
It is also judged based on criteria on a rubric, which is shown below.
The Robot Game is a mat with missions on it, with different mechanisms to be operated in order to "complete" them. Teams are rewarded with points for each mission completed. The only interaction that people may have with the table is in a set area, where they can change the attachments on their robot, select programs, and run the robot. Interaction outside of the zone is penalised with points lost.
The marking criteria for the Submerged season of FLL are shown below.
Each FLL Season runs from August to July of the next year, with three tournament stages. In Australia, these are:
Regionals (October/November)
Nationals (November/December)
Internationals (April-July)
There is also a state tournament in countries with enough FLL teams, to limit the number of teams at the higher levels.
Teams who perform well enough at each tournament will progress to the next stage, with the marking becoming increasingly harsh and fewer people making it through.
At each tournament, awards are distributed based on which team is the best match for each category. Categories for awards include:
Core Values
Robot Design
Innovation Project
Robot Game
Champions
Rising All-Star
Motivate
Breakthrough
More
Some categories have second place awards, some don't. Award availability largely depends on the tournament size.
Awards are distributed at tournaments, for teams who perform well in various categories, such as Core Values, Innovation Project, Robot Design, Robot Game, Champions, and other awards. Some awards have first and second place versions, depending on tournament size.
Tournaments are primarily made possible through volunteers, who volunteer at their region's website. They are involved with every aspect of tournaments, from judging, tech, making sure that teams are where they need to be, running practice fields and making sure that the day is enjoyable.